The California Forest Conservation Plan
Wildfires have burned millions of acres across California. These large-scale, high-severity wildfires are devastating to communities, infrastructure and forest-dwelling wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to working with public and private partners to create healthier, more resilient forests across California.
In response to our partners’ efforts to increase the pace and scale of forest fuels reduction projects across the state, the Service is developing the California Forest Conservation Plan. This Plan will accelerate forest fuels reduction project compliance required under the Endangered Species Act, balance project activities with the needs of wildlife, and apply consistent wildlife conservation measures across public and private lands.
Upcoming Live Virtual Informational Session
We will host a general informational session on the California Forest Conservation Plan on October 29, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. During this session, we will provide an overview of the Plan, describe how it works, who can participate and how the Plan will be developed.
Click here to sign-up for the October 29, 2024, briefing
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Add this link to your calendar: Virtual Briefing: California Forest Conservation Plan
Live Virtual Q&A Sessions
Starting in November, we will host listening sessions with interest-focused groups to get feedback on the Plan’s contents. Our goal is to develop a Plan that can be easily implemented by land managers, support efforts to protect local communities, promote healthy forests and keep listed species on the road to recovery.
Click here to let us know that you’re interested in attending a listening session.
FAQ
What is the California Forest Conservation Plan?
The wildfire crisis in California is outpacing efforts to protect communities, critical infrastructure and natural resources. Numerous threatened and endangered species occur on lands that are at risk for catastrophic wildfires. The California Forest Conservation Plan will accelerate forest fuels reduction project compliance required under the Endangered Species Act, balance the needs of wildlife with these projects, and apply consistent wildlife conservation actions across public and private lands. The California Forest Conservation Plan is a General Conservation Plan accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement for forest fuels reduction activities. Public and private land managers will be able to participate in the plan.
How large is the Plan?
The Plan will be rolled out across the state using a phased approach. This first Plan Area will cover 3,149,329 acres of public and private forested lands in Plumas, Butte, Sierra, Yuba and Nevada counties. The Plan Area encompasses the entirety of Plumas and Tahoe National Forests. The Plan Area covers the impacts of forest fuels reduction activities on 11 listed species.
When will I be able to sign on to the Plan?
We aim to publish a draft California Forest Conservation Plan with this first Plan Area in the Federal Register in 2025. We will announce when the Plan is final. Participation in the Plan will be voluntary.
